Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2006/January 2007 | Page 80

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Christmas wines
By Tim Flint

It is this time of year when
we are asked which wines are
best to drink at Christmas. As
I always say to people, “a good
wine is one that YOU enjoy
– plain and simple”. Christmas
is the one time where it is
nice to “trade up” and select
some wines that you may not
normally choose. These are
great to enjoy with your Family
and friends.
Despite drinking the wine you
enjoy, there are the establishment
choices to go with the yuletide
dinner. I like to kick the day off with
a Bucks Fizz. Choose a good quality
Orange juice and Champagne. You
can always enjoy the rest of the
Champagne whilst cooking the
meal.
With Turkey, a Good Burgundy
Meursault, or Puligny-Montrachet
fits the bill. Alternatively, California
oaked Chardonnay, or one from
Australia’s fine regions. The
key here is oak. This gives the
wine a creaminess that balances
beautifully with Turkey. With
Game Birds, something a bit richer
- try a Viognier (Vee oh nee ay) or
Condrieu – the original Viognier
from a beautiful little village of the
same name in the northern Rhône.
Beef needs a good Château bottled
Claret or Cabernet-Sauvignon.
This rich dark wine has a grip and

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weight to accompany the heavy
red meats. For Salmon, my treat
is a Chablis 1re Cru. Look out for a
good supplier like Gerard Tremblay
of William Fèvre. Good racy acidity
and a steely dry finish is beautiful
with a rich creamy Salmon.
Try a Monbazillac from France or
an Auslese German sweetie with
your Christmas pud. Another great
and often overlooked wine is good
quality sweet Asti. Look for Asti
DOCG to ensure that it is the right
fizz.
May I wish everyone a very merry
and safe Christmas and New Year. I
hope you enjoy your wines at this
most festive time.
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